Wales emergency departments data for September 2026, published 22 October 2026 · Wales diagnostics data for August 2026, published 22 October 2026
NHS waiting times in Cardiff
Cardiff is in Wales, where hospital services are run by Cardiff and Vale University Health Board. This page shows the latest published Wales figures for A&E and diagnostic tests for that health board.
These are Wales figures, not NHS England data. Health services in Wales are run separately and publish their own statistics, which use different definitions. Figures here come from StatsWales and the Welsh Government NHS activity and performance summary.
A&E waiting times in Cardiff
In September 2026, 59.3% of the 12,369 attendances at emergency departments run by Cardiff and Vale University Health Board were dealt with within 4 hours, 4.7 points below the Wales figure of 63.9%. 91.1% were dealt with within 12 hours (Wales: 88.2%). That ranks 5 of 7 health boards in Wales.
Cardiff and Vale University Health Board: % within 4 hours Wales
Scan and test waiting times in Cardiff
Welsh diagnostic figures use an 8-week measure (people waiting more than 8 weeks), not the 6-week measure used in England and Scotland, so the numbers are not directly comparable.
| Test | Waiting list | Waiting over 8 weeks | % over 8 weeks | Wales % over 8 weeks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MRI | 4,027 | 1,694 | 42.1% | 26.8% |
| CT | 2,888 | 1,206 | 41.8% | 21.7% |
| Ultrasound | 7,031 | 3,127 | 44.5% | 36.8% |
| Endoscopy | 3,613 | 2,293 | 63.5% | 40.5% |
Nearby towns
MRI waits for the nearest towns on this site.
| Nearby town | Distance | Main trust or board | MRI waiting over 8 weeks | Waiting list |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newport | 10 miles | Aneurin Bevan University Health Board | 16.3% | 3,135 |
| Pontypridd | 11 miles | Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board | 9.0% | 2,700 |
| Swansea | 34 miles | Swansea Bay University Health Board | 6.6% | 2,152 |
| Flint | 122 miles | Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board | 9.7% | 1,381 |
| Bangor (Gwynedd) | 127 miles | Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board | 9.7% | 1,381 |
Why England figures are not shown
NHS England statistics cover hospitals in England only. Wales has its own targets and measures: for example, Wales reports diagnostic waits over 8 weeks rather than 6, and A&E figures by health board. Comparisons between nations should be made with care. For England, see the England A&E league table.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the A&E wait in Cardiff?
In September 2026, 59.3% of A&E attendances at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board were dealt with within 4 hours, compared with 63.9% across Wales.
How long is the wait for an MRI scan in Cardiff?
42.1% of the 4,027 people waiting for an MRI at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board had waited more than 8 weeks (August 2026).
Who provides NHS hospital services in Cardiff?
Cardiff and Vale University Health Board. In Wales health services are run by health boards, not NHS England trusts.
Where do these figures come from?
From StatsWales and the Welsh Government NHS activity and performance summary, published under the Open Government Licence.